Nutmeg was once so rare that in the 17th century it sparked international wars for possession of the islands that produced it. Native to the Spice Islands of Indonesia, at one time four or five whole nutmegs were considered a fortune. However once the cultivation of the trees spread outside Indonesia the world was able to enjoy the sweet, delicate taste. Nutmeg enhances the flavour of virtually any dish, and it has become indispensable in many national cuisines. Hallucinogenic in extremely high doses, it causes delirium that can last for days, with headache, nausea and fatigue. Nutmeg is poisonous to animals.